April 5, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will make his 46th start of the season on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes. He's had a couple of rough outings recently, including in Saturday's matchup with Minnesota. The former Vezina Trophy winner coughed up four goals against the Wild on 23 shots, suffering a 4-1 loss. Saturday's loss dropped Ullmark's record to 24-12-8. He has a 2.84 goals-against average, a . 886 save percentage, and two shutouts. Ullmark faces a huge test on Sunday, taking on a Hurricanes team that has averaged a league-high 3.89 goals per game since the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN 1200 Ottawa
April 5, 2026
When quarterback
Trevor Lawrence was selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was considered by many to be the safest quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, and yet, through his first four seasons in the league, questions still remained about whether or not he was a true franchise quarterback. In 2025, he took significant strides in his first season with head coach Liam Coen, helping him climb to QB11 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings. With
Brian Thomas Jr. struggling mightily in his second season and
Travis Hunter lost to injury, the Jaguars retooled their wide receiver room on the fly, acquiring
Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, and over the final nine weeks of the season, Lawrence threw 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He also finished the year with a career-high 359 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. The Jaguars enter the 2026 season with Thomas and Meyers still on the roster, along with underrated tight end
Brenton Strange, and
Parker Washington, whose own late-season surge coincided with Lawrence's. Hunter could spend more time on the defensive side of the ball in year two, but anything he can contribute offensively will only help to elevate an already dynamic group of pass catchers and their quarterback.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 5, 2026
Dolphins quarterback
Malik Willis agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with Miami on the first day of free agency, and one week later, the team traded away its No. 1 wide receiver in
Jaylen Waddle. In speaking at the annual owners meeting, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told reporters that the trade materialized after Willis' signing, but that he had a conversation with his new quarterback to ensure that he didn't feel "tricked". Sullivan stressed the need for Miami to get younger and cheaper, with a clear goal of surrounding Willis with a young core of players on rookie contracts. The Dolphins now hold the 11th and 30th picks in the first round of the NFL Draft, and with
Malik Washington,
Tutu Atwell, and
Jalen Tolbert currently topping the wide receiver depth chart, the team is expected to take multiple swings at the position in what is considered to be a deep draft class.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Marcel Louis-Jacques - ESPN
April 5, 2026
Since the Denver Broncos traded for wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle in mid-March,
Courtland Sutton has seen his consensus dynasty ranking drop by almost 10 spots at the position, moving him well outside the first 10 rounds in dynasty startups. While Waddle does bring an electric element to a Broncos team that fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl, he has not topped a 22% target share since his record-breaking rookie campaign in 2021, and he has never been a true red zone threat, which is historically where Sutton has done the bulk of his damage from a fantasy perspective. Adjustments will obviously be made to Denver's passing offense, but after two consecutive top-13 fantasy finishes, Sutton should still see enough of a role to make him a regular contributor for contending dynasty managers hunting for bargains.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 5, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Ryan Rollins (hip) will suit up on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Rollins has played in only one of the last four games, but he is available on Sunday after shaking off a questionable tag. With several big guns out of the lineup, Rollins has taken on a larger role late in the season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.8 steals across his last five outings. Memphis sits 23rd in defensive efficiency, making Sunday's game a superb fantasy matchup for Rollins.
Pete Nance will give up his starting spot to Rollins.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Free agent tight end
David Njoku was unable to find a home in the early wave of free agency, and at this point, it would seem he is waiting until after the NFL Draft to make a decision on his future. The soon-to-be-30-year-old former first-round pick was released by the Cleveland Browns after nine seasons with the team, largely in part to the emergence of Harrold Fannin Jr., who led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns as a rookie. This is considered to be another deep rookie class, with a record 27 tight ends receiving invites to the NFL Combine, so many teams might opt to look for a younger, cheaper option at the position, with Njoku seeing a year-over-year decline in production since recording career highs across the board with 81 catches for 882 and six touchdowns in 2023. That said, even approaching his second decade in the league, Njoku's athleticism is rare for the position, and he could still find a fantasy-relevant role, even if it comes as a mid-season injury replacement.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (illness) won't play on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. The 21-year-old has been ruled out due to illness. With
Josh Giddey (hamstring) also sidelined, the Bulls will have two new starters on Sunday.
Collin Sexton will join
Tre Jones in the backcourt, while
Leonard Miller will be Buzelis' replacement. Miller has been one of Chicago's best players in recent weeks, and a starting role will further elevate his fantasy value. In seven starts, Miller has posted averages of 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap, wide receiver
Michael Pittman Jr. had led the Indianapolis Colts in targets for five consecutive seasons. In his absence, one of the pass catchers most expected to benefit from the newly formed triple-digit target vacuum is tight end
Tyler Warren, fresh off a rookie season in which his 76 receptions led all first-year players. He was also the third most targeted tight end in the league, and with Pittman no longer taking up residence between the numbers, Warren's target share could rise to the ranks of the fantasy elite.
Alec Pierce signed a top-of-the market deal to stay in Indianapolis as the primary downfield and boundary option, but he has never cracked 85 targets or 50 receptions in a season, while
Josh Downs, who could offer more direct target competition on short to intermediate routes, is listed at only 171 pounds and has seen his snap count drop in each of his professional seasons.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 5, 2026
Boston Celtics center
Nikola Vucevic (finger) will end a month-long absence on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran big man has recovered from a fractured finger and is listed as available after initially having a questionable tag on the injury report. Vucevic has been
Neemias Queta's backup in Boston, but he has still delivered decent production. In 12 appearances with the Celtics, Vucevic has averaged 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game. Queta and Vucevic face a tough matchup on Sunday, with
Jakob Poeltl healthy and playing well for the Raptors in the middle.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Hunter Brown (right shoulder) initially felt something in his shoulder on Friday, manager Joe Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. He had some imaging done in Sacramento before flying back to Houston to be evaluated by team doctors. After being evaluated, Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, retroactive to April 2. It's a crushing loss for the Astros. Brown is their ace and had been off to a 1-0 start with a 0.84 ERA through two starts. Across 10.2 innings of work, he has allowed five hits and six walks while striking out 17 batters. The team hasn't provided a timeline for his return, nor have they clarified who will take his spot in the rotation.
Christian Roa was called up to fill his void on the 26-man roster, but he hasn't started a game since 2024 in the minors.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brian McTaggart
April 5, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will miss Sunday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. He has managed a hamstring injury for several weeks and will be absent for the second time in three games. Meanwhile,
Collin Sexton (finger) has been cleared to play and will be one of the players benefiting from Giddey's absence.
Tre Jones and
Rob Dillingham are also expected to pick up extra work in the backcourt. Sexton, who led the team with 19 points in Friday's defeat to New York, figures to form the starting backcourt with Jones on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (ankle) will sit out Sunday's contest against the Orlando Magic. He has been ruled out due to an ankle sprain after initially being listed as questionable. With
Dejounte Murray (hand) also unavailable,
Yves Missi,
Jeremiah Fears, and
Micah Peavy could all enjoy bigger roles in this game. Missi stepped into the starting lineup for Murray on Friday against the Kings, and Fears could find himself joining him in the first unit on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
New York Mets first baseman
Brett Baty (thumb) was a late scratch after initially appearing in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Manager
Carlos Mendoza told Andrew Tredinnick of USA Today that Baty is dealing with a sore left thumb after jamming it on a slide on Saturday. The injury is not believed to be serious, and there's a strong chance that the 26-year-old will get back into the lineup on Tuesday. Baty is off to a slow start at the plate, slashing .242/.242/.364 with zero home runs, zero walks, and a 30.3% strikeout rate so far. He has primarily played first base but also has three appearances at designated hitter and two in right field.
Mark Vientos will start at first base in his absence on Sunday, and
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is back in the lineup as the designated hitter.
--Andersen PickardSource: Andrew Tredinnick
April 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (hand) will miss Sunday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. He's nursing a left-hand contusion and won't be part of the action for a second consecutive game.
Jeremiah Fears had an expanded role without Murray on Friday against Sacramento and looks set for an increased workload again. In Friday's game, Fears produced one of his best performances of the season, finishing with a team-high 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Yves Missi took Murray's spot in the starting lineup but had a relatively quiet outing with six points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He's bothered by a right knee issue and will sit out for the eighth time in 10 games.
Mike Conley will likely remain in the starting lineup as Edwards' replacement. However, the veteran has been limited to 5.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game across his last four appearances as a member of the first unit.
Ayo Dosunmu and
Bones Hyland also have more importance without Edwards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher
Pete Fairbanks will serve as the opener for Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. After the game, he will be placed on the paternity list. Fairbanks has been excellent, as per usual, in his role as the Marlins' closer early this season. Through three relief appearances, he has a 0.00 ERA, -0.15 FIP, five strikeouts, one hit, zero walks, and two saves. He won't be up for a save opportunity on Sunday, but rather will be tasked with setting an early tone against the top half of the Yankees' lineup. Marlins fans will have to be patient, though, as the start of Sunday's game has been delayed due to rain. As it stands, Fairbanks ranks as the #13 reliever in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Isaac Azout
April 5, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels have selected the contract of right-handed pitching prospect
George Klassen. He will be the Halos' starting pitcher on Sunday, making his MLB debut against the Seattle Mariners. Klassen was the Phillies' sixth-round pick in 2023, but he made his way to the Angels organization via trade in 2024. He posted an impressive 3.29 FIP and 11.05 K/9 at Double-A last year, but he did have an issue with walks. He was roughed up with a 7.94 FIP over 14 innings in spring training, but he posted a solid 4.2-inning start in Triple-A last week. He'll start for the Angels on Sunday after
Ryan Johnson (illness) was scratched. Klassen throws an upper-90s fastball and puts effective break behind both his slider and cutter. It will be interesting to watch how his stuff plays against a star-studded Seattle lineup featuring
Julio Rodriguez and
Cal Raleigh.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Angels
April 5, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (right calf strain) remains absent from the lineup for Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto suffered the injury on Friday and has been sidelined throughout the weekend. He's not expected to land on the injured list, but there hasn't been an exact timetable for his return. Soto is one of the best hitters in baseball, so the Mets would love to get him back in the lineup, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. Through eight games this year, the 27-year-old owns a .355/.412/.516 slash line with one home run, five RBI, and 165 wRC+.
Jared Young has taken over as the Mets' left fielder in Soto's absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. Gilmore crafted a thoughtful Instagram post in which he thanked his family, coaches, and fans for their continuous support throughout his 13-year career. He spent his first nine seasons in the AFC East with the Bills and Patriots before embarking on one-year stints with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. Gilmore expressed a desire to play football in 2025 but ultimately sat out last season. The former first-round pick finishes his career with 32 interceptions and 149 passes defended. He led the league in both categories with the Patriots in 2019, when he was also named Defensive Player of the Year. While not a Hall of Fame lock, Gilmore was as good as anyone during the peak of his career.
--Andersen PickardSource: Stephon Gilmore
April 5, 2026
The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher
Hunter Brown (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder strain. According to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle, this transition is retroactive to April 2. In a corresponding move, the Astros promoted
Christian Roa from Triple-A Sugar Land. Brown made his last outing on March 31 against the Boston Red Sox. In this start, the ace looked like his dominant self, logging six innings of one-run ball with just one hit and two walks. He struck out eight hitters. In his season debut, Brown tossed 4 2/3 innings with four hits, four walks, no runs, and nine punchouts. While Brown remains on the shelf, the Astros could turn to right-hander
Spencer Arrighetti, who was unable to crack the team's Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Kawahara
April 5, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford could have a limited workload leading up to the 2026 regular season, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Stafford missed most of training camp last summer due to a back injury, and the Rams will likely modify the number of throws he makes this upcoming summer to ensure that he stays healthy.
Jimmy Garoppolo took most of the QB1 reps when Stafford was sidelined last summer, and the Rams will likely follow a similar plan during training camp this year. Not only does reducing Stafford's workload keep him healthy, but it also increases the reps for Garoppolo, who needs to be ready in case his number is called at any point during the regular season. As long as Stafford stays healthy, he remains a low-end QB1 in fantasy football because of his role in a high-volume passing offense and the tremendous presence of receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Sarah Barshop
April 5, 2026
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that he is "certain" tight end
Isaiah Likely will take a major leap in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Harbaugh explained that he saw tremendous upside in Likely when the two were together in Baltimore, but the tight end never had much of an opportunity to break out because of the scheme and personnel. Indeed, Likely had his career-worst fantasy finish last year, checking in as the TE45 with 27 catches, 307 yards, and one touchdown. If Harbaugh is right, Likely could be due for his first-ever top-18 finish in 2026. However, we also need to be careful of just how much trust we invest in offseason coachspeak. Likely finds himself in a crowded Giants offense that also features
Malik Nabers (knee),
Theo Johnson,
Darius Slayton, and
Darnell Mooney. Likely is a high-risk, high-reward trade target this offseason. He could break out, as Harbaugh suggested, but he could also be headed for another year in a depth role.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jordan Raanan
April 5, 2026
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese appears to be "the best fit" for the New York Jets at No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. General manager Darren Mougey recently said the Jets haven't identified who they'll select with the pick, but Cimini drew the conclusion that New York is leaning toward Reese based on comments made by head coach Aaron Glenn at last week's annual league meetings. He cited the Jets' plans to use multiple different defensive fronts, since Reese displayed scheme versatility in college. Glenn also said that he compared Reese to Danielle Hunter in the sense that both players have a rare blend of football traits and character. Reese is coming off a terrific junior season in which he logged 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
--Andersen PickardSource: Rich Cimini
April 5, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are expected to select Ohio State wide receiver
Carnell Tate with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft if they're unable to trade down, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Jackson notes that the Browns are looking to trade down from either of their selections at No. 6 or No. 24, and if they stay put at No. 6, Tate will be their target. There's a case to be made that Tate is the best receiver in the draft, and we all know that Ohio State has an incredible track record of producing top-tier NFL wideouts. The 21-year-old had 51 catches, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns during his final season with the Buckeyes. If this selection comes to fruition, Tate would instantly slot into the No. 1 receiver role in Cleveland, surpassing
Jerry Jeudy. He ranks as the overall WR14 in our latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zac Jackson
April 5, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and many experts are connecting them to Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love. However, the Titans are content with their current RB room, which consists of
Tony Pollard,
Tyjae Spears,
Michael Carter,
Kalel Mullings, and
Julius Chestnut, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I love our backfield, I love our running back room right now," head coach Robert Saleh said. "I look at our running back room as one of the better ones in football." Pollard now has four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and Spears is a nice pass-catching complement, but it will be pretty hard for the Titans to pass on Love if he's available at No. 4 overall at the end of April. Pollard's status as a high-end RB2 in fantasy football will be out the window in 2026 if the Titans were to select Love in the early portion of the first round.
--Keith HernandezSource: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
April 5, 2026
NFL officials in Phoenix all believe that free-agent wide receiver
Jauan Jennings is asking for too much money on the open market this offseason, according to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "He's outplayed his talent," one head coach said. Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers couldn't work out a long-term deal last summer and instead worked out a one-year deal. The 28-year-old is by far the best remaining player on the free-agent market, but his financial demands might need to come down a bit for him to find a new home. Jennings, a former seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Tennessee, wasn't very involved in the Bay Area in his first three NFL seasons before breaking out in 2024 with a 77-975-6 line in 15 regular-season games. Jennings had a career-best nine touchdowns in 2025, but he also regressed elsewhere with just 55 catches for 643 yards in 15 regular-season starts. His 2024 campaign could easily end up being Jennings' high-water mark, but he could still have plenty of fantasy relevance as a chain-mover in 2026, depending on where he ends up.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur
April 5, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) won't be back with the team in 2026, but they are in no rush to get rid of him, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur. If an NFL team is interested in Aiyuk's services and wants him in their building this spring to learn their offense, they can trade for him, but there's no reason for the Niners to do any other team a favor by handing Aiyuk over now for a draft pick. They may release him after the NFL draft at the end of April if they can't find a trade suitor by then, but they can also wait longer if they want to, as the 49ers don't owe Aiyuk anything until his option bonus is due on Sept. 1. The Washington Commanders seem like the logical destination because of general manager Adam Peters' familiarity with Aiyuk from his time in the Bay Area. Aiyuk was also teammates with Washington quarterback
Jayden Daniels at Arizona State. The 28-year-old former first-rounder had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but he played in only seven games in 2024 before tearing his ACL, and he didn't play at all last year. There are questions about Aiyuk's motivation, making him a very risky option for NFL teams and fantasy managers going forward.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur
April 5, 2026
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that wide receiver
Luther Burden III will be a big part of the team's passing attack heading into his second year in the NFL, according to CHGO Bears. "[Luther] is exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year...this guy loves football. If you took football away from him, I don't know what he would want to do with himself," Johnson said. Especially since the Bears traded receiver
DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Burden will be a popular breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026 as he heads into his sophomore campaign. The 22-year-old former second-rounder out of Missouri started slow last year but finished with 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets in 15 regular-season starts. Target volume could be an issue with
Rome Odunze and tight end
Colston Loveland also being involved, but Burden will be a focal point for explosive plays in Chicago's offense going forward. His dynasty/keeper value is rising by the day.
--Keith HernandezSource: CHGO Bears
April 5, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander
Jesus Luzardo was dominant on Saturday in his first win of the 2026 season against the Colorado Rockies, allowing just one earned run on five hits while walking none and striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings of work at Coors Field in Denver. It was a nice bounce-back outing early on for the 28-year-old southpaw, as he was greeted harshly in his season debut last week by the Texas Rangers, allowing six runs in six innings. Fantasy managers should have had Luzardo in their starting lineups on Saturday against the Rockies despite his rough opening start. In his dominant outing, he generated 23 swinging strikes. The former third-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2016 is a high-upside strikeout arm on one of the best teams in baseball, giving him plenty of fantasy appeal in his third year in Philly. Fantasy managers will want to keep him active in his next scheduled outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton (forearm) is back in Sunday's lineup against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander
Nick Martinez, according to MLB.com. Buxton will serve as the designated hitter and will bat second for the Twins. The 32-year-old oft-injured veteran was removed from Friday's game against Tampa after being hit in the forearm by a pitch, and he was held from the lineup on Saturday as a precaution. Buxton thankfully avoided any structural damage in his arm and will return to action for the series finale. He will most likely return to outfield duties early next week. Fantasy managers may want to keep Buxton on their benches on Sunday, though, given his slow start at the plate in 2026. He's hitting just .154/.207/.269 with an RBI, one walk, and nine strikeouts in a small sample size of seven games. The good news is Buxton has a good history against Martinez, as he's hit .400 against him with two home runs and three RBI in 10 career at-bats.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
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